Thesis title

Supervisors

Research Summary

I am investigating musical life in early-Victorian Manchester, identifying what musical activity was taking place, who was taking part in such activity, and how this related to the changing structures of industrial society. I am exploring the interactions between a network of industrial philanthropists and musical entrepreneurs, seeking to explore the ways musical engagement shaped and was shaped by the developing social, cultural and civic life of the newly industrialised city. Particular areas of interest at present include the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute, Athenaeum and Royal Manchester Institution, the Hargreaves Choral Society, and a number of glee and madrigal societies.

Research Interests

Alongside my PhD research, I remain active as a freelance flautist. I have research interests in nineteenth-century British flute culture, and have recently revisited aspects of my Masters research in this area to develop and present a lecture recital of nineteenth-century British flute music. I have also developed research interests in military music history and in popular music lecturing with contributions to the Music in Manchester during World War 1 project at the RNCM, and the History of the Humanities research network together with the Universities of Manchester and Amsterdam.